Ciste Meán Simon Cumbers

Tánaiste announces Africa Ireland Economic Forum

Press release

12 July 2018

Tánaiste announces Africa Ireland Economic Forum

Speaking today at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) in Dublin, the Tánaisteannounced that the 6th Africa Ireland Economic Forum will be held on 11 October of this year, commenting that:

"The Forum, which has been running since 2011, is the centrepiece of Ireland’s economic engagement with the countries of Africa. It provides a unique opportunity to bring businesses, policy-makers and influencers together, to share experiences and best practices, with the aim of building long-lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships."

The Tánaiste made the announcement during an address on Ireland’s relationship with Africa, as Ireland prepares to deepen its engagement across the continent through the ‘Global Ireland’ initiative and the publication later this year of a new White Paper on development policy.

The Tánaiste also spoke of the economic potential of Africa, noting the growing commercial links with Ireland, and adding:

"As with our political and security relationships, the future of European and African prosperity is inextricably intertwined, and the economies of our continental southern neighbour represent huge potential for job creation and economic growth in Ireland."

ENDS

Press Office

July 11th 2018

Notes to the Editor:

Ireland has 11 Embassies in Africa, in Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt. These Embassies also maintain secondary accreditations with a wide range of other countries and regional organisations across Africa.

The 6th Africa Ireland Economic Forum will be held in Dublin on 11th October 2018, in the Convention Centre. The thematic focus of the Forum, which is expected to attract approximately 400 participants, will be on agri-food and women in business.

The Forum is aimed at increasing awareness among Irish companies of trade and investment opportunities available in Africa, and to provide space for business-to-business contacts between Irish and African companies.

Irish Aid is the Government’s overseas development assistance (ODA) programme. It is managed by the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has been maintained since 1973.

Ireland’s ODA allocation in 2018 will be €707 million, of which just over €500 million will be administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with roughly 80% of Ireland’s ODA allocated to countries in Africa.

Ireland’s ODA programme maintains a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa, with work focused on delivering three main goals, 1) reducing hunger and building resilience, 2) sustainable development and inclusive economic growth and 3) promoting better governance, human rights and accountability.

The Government of Ireland has committed to a new White Paper on international development policy during 2018. The preparatory phase has now been completed, and will be followed by a public consultation which is to be launched on 12 July.